Biological Diversity: Exploiters and Exploited

Biological Diversity takes a fresh, innovative approach to
the teaching of biodiversity. Rather than detailing and cataloguing
the major taxa and their evolutionary relationships, the authors
have selected 18 groups of organisms and used these as a framework
in which to discuss the species and their interactions with man and
each other. There is a strong narrative theme throughout –
the exploited and the exploiters - and, in many cases, there is
emphasis on the historical context. A wide range of organisms are
covered, from the unicellular to birds and mammals and with an
equal consideration of plants and animals. Species have been chosen
for their ability to best illustrate particular biological
principles, and for their strong interaction with other species.

After an introduction the book is divided into two parts:
‘Exploited’ and ‘Exploiters’. Each of the
chapters, although linked to each other, forms a stand-alone essay.
They are scientifically rigorous, up-to-date and do not shy away
from addressing some controversial issues. Chapters
have’ text boxes’ highlighting important issues and
concepts, lists of further reading and references. In addition to
tables and figures the book has a selection of original
illustrations drawn by leading artist Steven Appleby.

This fresh approach will appeal to all those interested in the
biological sciences, and aims to be accessible to people with a
diversity of backgrounds. It will prove particularly useful to
biology students, enabling them to get to grips with important
biological principles and concepts that underpin the diversity of
life, and the interrelationship of humans with other groups of
organisms.

“Overall, this is a collection of papers that are
realistic yet optimistic about the future and proposes positive
solutions to the many problems of current fisheries.”
(The Quarterly Review of Biology, 1 March2013)

"In conclusion, this sizeable book is worth every page. It demands
slow, steady reading. The writing style is very easy for even a
non-science student to read and understand, especially those
concerned with environmental conservation and protection. The
figures are helpful with caricatures drawn to make the reading more
fun. And the best thing about the book is that it satisfies all the
related queries one may have about the topic, from its history to
politics to biology to physics." (International Journal of
Environmental Studies, 21 February 2012)

"I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed by it, and feel it
should find a place in the non-fiction best-seller lists."
(Biodivers Conserv, 2011)

"Paul Hatcher and Nick Battey have clearly taken the
significance of this role to heart, putting a great deal of thought
into how to engage their target audience; namely under-graduates
wishing to learn about their topic." (Taylor & Francis, 24
November 2011)

"The figures are helpful with caricatures drawn to make the
reading more fun. And the best thing about the book is that it
satisfies all the related queries one may have about the topic,
from its history to politics to biology to physics." (International
Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1 February 2012)

"This title is appropriate for undergraduate students in many
disciplines, including biology. It will also be useful for readers
interested in the ways human interact with other species. Summing
Up: Recommended. All readership levels." (Choice, 1 November
2011)

Connect with Wiley Publicity

From the crops we farm to the insects which blight them mankind has always had a complex relationship with nature, commanding some species while falling victim to others. In Biological Diversity: Exploiters and Exploited Paul Hatcher and Nick Battey explore the subject of biodiversity through the species that humans exploit, and the species which exploit humans.

The authors selected 18 such organisms and have used them as a framework to discuss the species, their interactions with humans and each other. Species range from the organisms man exploits, such as honey bees, the silkworm, sugar cane and the vine, to species which exploit us, malaria, plague, locusts and the wolf.

Each species has been chosen for their ability to best illustrate particular biological principles and for their strong interaction with other species. While linked, each chapter forms a stand-alone essay with text boxes highlighting important issues and concepts. In addition to tables and figures the book has a selection of original illustrations drawn by leading artist Steven Appleby.

Using this case-based framework Biological Diversity: Exploiters and Exploited explores the important biological principles and concepts that underpin the diversity of life and the interrelationship of humans with other groups of organisms in a careful synthesis of science and history.

Biodiversity is becoming an increasingly important subject, often forming compulsory modules for biology students, while becoming a popular option for environmental science, biogeography and ecology students. This title ensures that students and researchers are not only introduced to a fresh approach to understanding biodiversity but have a constant reminder of mankind's place within it.

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